Haemodialysis
Haemodialysis, also known as renal replacement therapy, is a procedure to remove toxins from a dog's blood mechanically when its kidneys can no longer perform this function. It is an invasive treatment method used in seriously ill dogs, usually with kidney failure (often acute) and/or other serious diseases that cause kidney dysfunction and/or complications (for instance, one of the most common tick-borne diseases is babesiosis). Canine haemodialysis is analogous to human haemodialysis, but adapted for pets.
Only the experienced nephrologists who specialize in performing haemodialysis procedures in pets perform this procedure.
When is haemodialysis performed for dogs?
Canine haemodialysis can be performed for several main conditions:
1. Acute renal failure: sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes, for instance, exposure to toxins (ingestion of toxic substances), infections, dehydration, or injury.
2. Chronic renal failure: long-term kidney disease, where the kidneys gradually lose their function (this option is not curable, it is a maintenance therapy).
3. Toxin removal: poisoning with certain substances that damage the kidneys or other systems and that need to be urgently removed from the body.
4. Electrolyte imbalance: in case of severe life-threatening electrolyte imbalances.
Course of procedure
General anaesthesia is used to perform the procedure, so the pet’s condition must be assessed by a Nephrologist in advance.
1. Preparation: prior to haemodialysis, the dog is usually stabilized and examined to assess its general health.
2. Vascular access: vascular access is installed, usually through a central vein, to allow connection of the dialysis machine.
3. Dialysis: the dog’s blood is passed through a dialysis machine, where it is cleaned using a special filter called a dialyzer. This filter removes waste, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood.
4. Monitoring: the dog is constantly monitored during the procedure to ensure the good toleration of procedure and effectiveness of the dialysis.
5. Completion: the dog is disconnected from the dialysis machine after the procedure and continues to be monitored to assess its condition and recovery.
Risks and complications
Although haemodialysis safes life, it can have certain risks and complications, such as:
• Blood pressure changes.
• Risk of infection due to vascular access.
• Electrolyte imbalance after dialysis.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
Confident and clear communication with pet owners is one of the key elements to prompt and effective treatment of a pet. We provide the most frequently asked questions about the haemodialysis procedure:
1. Does haemodialysis cure kidney failure?
Haemodialysis in veterinary medicine is a complex procedure that requires specialized equipment and the supervision of experienced veterinary specialists. The procedure can be very useful in certain circumstances and in cases of acute renal failure. However, in chronic kidney failure, this is a temporary solution. Additional interventions and ongoing monitoring are often necessary for a long-term treatment strategy.
2. Can all pets (dogs and cats) undergo haemodialysis?
To perform this procedure, the pet must weigh at least 5 kg, so this procedure is not performed on very small pets. However, it is best to assess the situation (the pet’s composition and the likelihood of haemodialysis) in consultation with a Veterinary Nephrologist.
3. How much will a haemodialysis procedure cost for my pet?
The price varies depending on the indication and the general condition of the pet. Please contact our specialist for an exact price.
4. How many procedures are required?
It depends on indication (intoxication, renal failure). In case of acute renal failure caused by intoxication, one to three procedures are usually required. In some cases, the pet may be able to go home the same or the next day if the condition is stable depending on the patient's general condition. Sometimes up to five procedures are required, and the pet is hospitalized for intensive therapy and pet care during the treatment period, but in all cases it is individual.
If you have any questions or would like to register for a procedure and/or consultation, contact us by phone +3701288788
Head of Department, Veterinarian Lukas Grėbliauskas
Specialists of the referral clinic performing haemodialysis:
Veterinarian Lukas Grėbliauskas
Veterinarian Evelina Andriuškevič
Veterinarian Doc. Dr. Vytautas Sabūnas